How to Identify Fir Trees for Fire Wood

How to Identify Fir Trees

• 1). Look at the needles. All evergreens grow needles instead of leaves, and this can make identification difficult. However, if you look closely you will notice a few features that set fir trees apart from all the rest. The needles of spruce and fir trees will grow individually, while pine needles grow in clusters (two, three or five needles to a bunch). Spruce needles grow to be more round in shape, while fir trees produce needles which are flatter. Try to roll the needles between two fingers--if they won't roll, you're probably dealing with a fir tree.
  
  
• 2). Touch the bark. Fir trees generally grow with smooth bark that's grayish in hue, an identifying characteristic that's fairly easy to spot. Look especially at the branches of the tree to determine whether it's a firewood-worthy fir. Spruce trees will have branches with small projections, while fir branches are smoother.
  
  
• 3). Examine the cones. It isn't just pines; spruces and fir trees grow cones, as well. On the fir tree, cones will grow in the spring and summer. In the fall, the outer scales of the cone will be shed and woody stems will be left behind. Fir cones can be identified by their erect growth.
  
  
• 4). Select fir trees that are most likely to produce good firewood. Often, the type of fir trees you select for your wood-burning purposes will depend upon the region where you live. One of the most common is the Douglas fir, which is often used for Christmas trees. The wood of the Douglas fir is easy to split and produces a low amount of ash, ideal characteristics for firewood. No matter what type of fir you choose, pick a tree that is not too old (check the smoothness of the bark to judge age, as fir trees become less smooth with time) or too tall. Remember, you want to have a workable tree that can be cut into logs for firewood, so you don't need the biggest one in the forest.